October 24-31: Pompey's New Crowd Packing Process Is Used In The Draw With Man Utd And The Chimes Are Released On A Gramophone
Tuesday 25: We are delighted to have tracked down Pompey's oldest former player. Jimmy Elder (91) is the sole survivor of the team of the post-war years. We visited him at his home in Wakefield. He is a remarkable chap with many fond memories of his time at Pompey.
Jimmy Elder - at 91 he is Pompey's oldest former player and the sole survivor of the Champions of England side.
Stan Earl, a 20 year-old left back from Alton, gets a try-out for Pompey Reserves in the Midweek League match against Queens Park Rangers at Fratton Park tomorrow afternoon (3pm).
The young Pompey side to face Queens Park Rangers in the Midweek League tomorrow will be: Weaver, Butler, Earl, Duggins, Field, Andrews, King, Wilson, Ames, Henderson, MacDonald.
Thursday 27: Right-back Jasper Yeuell will be out of football for a number of weeks. Today he had surgery on his troublesome knee at a hospital in Newcastle.
Friday 28: Pompey's new "crowd packing" arrangements are likely to be tested to the limit tomorrow when they entertain in-form Manchester United at Fratton Park. Another large crowd, possibly a ground record, is expected.
Fratton Park safety measures came under review after serious overcrowding on some sections of terracing led to a number of spectators being injured at the recent match against Wolves, which attracted a crowd of more than 50,000.
Peter Harris and Len Phillips have both recovered from their ailments and will take their places in Pompey's forward line, but Duggie Reid has been confined to bed for several days and he will miss the visit of United.
The full Pompey side to face Manchester United tomorrow will be: Butler, Hindmarsh, Ferrier, Scoular, Thompson, Dickinson, Harris, Pickett, Clarke, Phillips, Froggatt. Kick off at Fratton Park will be at 3pm.
Pompey Reserves travel to East London to face West Ham United Reserves at Upton Park tomorrow. Team: Leather, Turner, Mansell, Duggins, Cairney, Elder, Dawson, Gordon, Field, Barlow, Bennett.
Portsmouth Reserves 0, Queens Park Rangers Reserves 0 (Mid Week League)
Saturday 29: We are approaching kick-off in Pompey's big match against Manchester United at Fratton Park, and the Blues have been dealt an eleventh-hour blow. Centre-half Bill Thompson has reported unfit. His place will be taken by debutant Billy Spence.
The final whistle has sounded at Fratton Park and it has ended all-square in today's big match. Result: Pompey 0 - 0 Manchester United Attendance: 41,098
Patched-up Pompey, with Bill Spence making his League debut and Reg Pickett playing in only his third senior match, did well to hold a powerful Manchester United side to a goalless draw at Fratton Park this afternoon.
There was plenty of action in both goalmouths with Peter Harris, Ike Clarke and Len Phillips all having chances for Pompey. Makeshift centre-half Bill Spence did well on his first team debut for the Blues.
Today's draw with Manchester United leaves Pompey fifth in the First Division table with 16 points from 14 matches. Leaders Wolves have 22 points from 14 matches, Liverpool 21 from 14, Manchester United 19 from 14, and Arsenal 19 from 15.
Match Summary: Portsmouth 0, Manchester United 0
Pompey Reserves drew 1-1 with West Ham United Reserves in the Combination League fixture at Upton Park this afternoon. Outside-left Ron Bennett was the scorer for Pompey. Goalkeeper Maurice Leather pulled off some fine saves for the Blues.
West Ham United Reserves 1, Portsmouth Reserves 1
Tonight's Football Mail brings us Ranger's report on Pompey's clash with Manchester United at Fratton Park. Stroller was at Upton Park with the Reserves.
Sunday 30: Pompey have not had much luck with centre-halves lately. Reg Flewin went down with appendicitis, then Bill Thomson reported unfit for yesterday's game against Manchester United. Fortunately, Bill Spence proved to be a capable third-choice.
Monday 31: "Play Up Pompey", the arrangement of the Pompey Chimes composed by Major Vivian Dunne (Director, Royal Marines School of Music) is now available as a gramophone record.
Pompey's Mr R Vernon Stokes (Director and former Chairman), Mr Bob Jackson (Manager) and Reg Flewin (Captain) are tonight among a panel of football experts being quizzed by a live audience of 700 for a radio programme being recorded by the BBC.
Pompey will next be in action on Saturday when they face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. A large number of Portsmouth supporters are expected to travel, and British Railways will be augmenting their regular services to cope with the expected demand.
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